Graeme Souness has moved to the front in the race for the manager's job at Bolton Wanderers.

The Guardian says Souness has emerged as a leading contender to succeed Sammy Lee as manager of Bolton Wanderers and is understood to have discussed the vacancy with the club's chairman, Phil Gartside.

Although Souness could conceivably be appointed in time for Thursday's Uefa Cup match at home to the Portuguese side Braga, Gartside is believed to be drawn to the idea of attracting Gary Megson from Leicester City and also retains an interest in Real Sociedad's Chris Coleman.

While recruiting either Megson or Coleman would involve paying out at least £1m in compensation, Souness is out of work, which makes him a more financially attractive proposition.